Spirit distilleries sceptical about proposed tax reform

Unlike the wine, craft beer and cider industries, spirit distilleries receive no tax break for their products. Co-owner of Kangaroo Island Spirits and Australian Distillers Association committee member Jon Lark said excise tax cuts are necessary for industry growth. “What we are seeing done well in Australia with other beverage industries such as wine, beer and cider is that the Government is giving excise relief, particularly for small boutique producers to enable them to compete and develop in the market,” he said.